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Numbers 33:11 - Desert trials after redemption

Numbers 33:11 - במדבר 33:11

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מִיַּם־סוּף וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּמִדְבַּר־סִין׃

English Translation

And they removed from the Sea of Suf, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.

Transliteration

Vayis'u mi-Yam Suf vayachanu b'midbar-Sin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִיַּם־ס֑וּף וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּמִדְבַּר־סִֽין׃
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִיַּם־ס֑וּף וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּמִדְבַּר־סִֽין׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Location and Significance of the Wilderness of Sin

The verse (Shemot 16:1) describes Bnei Yisrael's journey from Yam Suf (the Sea of Reeds) to the wilderness of Sin. Rashi explains that this location is named after the mountain of Sin, which was later the site where the manna descended (Shemot 16:1 with Rashi). The Midrash Tanchuma (Beshallach 20) notes that this was one of the places where the Israelites tested Hashem, as hinted by the name "Sin" (סִין), related to the word for "hatred" or "animosity" (שִׂנְאָה).

Chronology of the Journey

According to Ramban (Nachmanides), this journey occurred on the 15th of Iyar, exactly one month after the Exodus (Ramban on Shemot 16:1). The Mechilta (Beshallach 1) elaborates that this was part of a series of encampments where Hashem tested Bnei Yisrael's faith, preparing them for the eventual giving of the Torah at Har Sinai.

Spiritual Lessons from the Encampment

  • Trust in Divine Providence: The Ohr HaChaim (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar) teaches that the wilderness of Sin represents a place of spiritual challenge, where Bnei Yisrael had to rely entirely on Hashem for sustenance, foreshadowing the miracle of the manna.
  • Growth Through Difficulty: The Sforno notes that the harsh conditions of the wilderness were meant to refine the nation, stripping away their slave mentality and preparing them for their covenantal mission.
  • From Redemption to Revelation: The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) connects this journey to the progression from physical redemption (Yam Suf) to spiritual elevation (wilderness trials), culminating at Har Sinai.

Geographical Context

Ibn Ezra discusses the route, noting that this was a deliberate path away from Philistine territory (Shemot 13:17), showing Hashem's mercy in not exposing the newly freed slaves to immediate warfare. The wilderness of Sin is identified as part of the greater Paran desert region, a place of profound isolation where divine interaction became most evident.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the Sea of Suf' refer to in Numbers 33:11?
A: The 'Sea of Suf' refers to the Red Sea (Yam Suf in Hebrew), where the Israelites miraculously crossed on dry land during the Exodus from Egypt. Rashi explains that 'Suf' means 'reeds,' referring to the reedy marshes near the sea where this event took place.
Q: Why did the Israelites travel from the Sea of Suf to the wilderness of Sin?
A: The journey from the Sea of Suf to the wilderness of Sin was part of Hashem's plan to lead the Israelites toward Mount Sinai, where they would receive the Torah. The Midrash teaches that this route was chosen to refine their faith and prepare them for their covenant with Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of the wilderness of Sin in the Torah?
A: The wilderness of Sin (Midbar Sin) is where the Israelites received the manna for the first time (Exodus 16). According to Ramban, this was a test of their trust in Hashem's providence, teaching them to rely on Him for sustenance even in a barren desert.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader journey of the Israelites?
A: This verse is part of a detailed list of the Israelites' 42 encampments in the desert (Numbers 33). The Talmud (Sotah 34b) teaches that recounting these stops reminds us of Hashem's constant guidance and the importance of remembering our spiritual journey.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' travels in this verse?
A: The journey from the Sea of Suf to the wilderness of Sin teaches us that every step in life—even through difficult 'wilderness' experiences—is directed by Hashem for our growth. The Sages emphasize that just as He guided the Israelites, He guides us through our personal journeys.